No train no gain? Why employers don't train and what to do about it

Skills are at the heart of the Coalition's strategy for growth. However with fiscal austerity dominating the agenda, the government also hopes employers will be willing to shoulder more of the costs of workforce training. Central targets have been cut and FE colleges and training providers given more freedom to collaborate with employers to develop and fund qualifications. The assumption is that central planning and control over skills policy under Labour hampered employers' pent-up demand and willingness to invest in training.